Prioritising Family Needs: A Grounded Theory of Acculturation for Sub-Saharan African Migrant Families in Australia

Peter Akosah-Twumasi; Faith Alele; Amy M. Smith; Theophilus I Emeto; Daniel Lindsay; Komla Tsey; Bunmi S. Malau-Aduli

doi:10.3390/socsci9020017

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Prioritising Family Needs: A Grounded Theory of Acculturation for Sub-Saharan African Migrant Families in Australia

Journal article

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Prioritising Family Needs: A Grounded Theory of Acculturation for Sub-Saharan African Migrant Families in Australia

Peter Akosah-Twumasi, Faith Alele, Amy M. Smith, Theophilus I Emeto, Daniel Lindsay, Komla Tsey and Bunmi S. Malau-Aduli

Social Sciences, Vol.9(2), pp.1-16

2020

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci9020017

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Correction Akosah-Twumasi, Peter, et al. 2020. Prioritising Family Needs A Grounded Theory of Acculturation for Sub-Saharan African Migrant Families in Australia. Social Sciences 9 17165.62 kBDownload View

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Abstract

individualistic

collectivist

cultural values

acculturation strategy

sub-Saharan Africa

family needs

grounded theory

Pre-existing acculturation models have focused on individual orientation and may not be fully applicable to African migrants due to their strong connection to family. In this study, we utilised qualitative semi-structured interviews to explore how 22 migrant families from eight sub-Saharan African representative countries: Congo, Eritrea, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Uganda and Zimbabwe, who now reside in Townsville, Australia experienced the acculturation process. Data were analysed at the family unit level using the three steps of grounded theory method: open, axial and selective coding. The theory derived illustrates that the acculturation process involves two major phases (maintaining core moral values and attaining a sense of belonging) within which six categories were identified. Three of the categories were related to deeply held heritage values and beliefs (family relationships, societal expectations and cultural norms), while the other three (religious beliefs, socio-economic gains and educational values) indicated integration with the host culture. These categories constitute central concerns for the participants and demonstrate what matters to them as a family unit and not as individuals. We conclude that a selective process of "prioritising family needs" determines the acculturation strategy of sub-Saharan African migrant families, aiding the fulfilment of their migration goals, ensuring effective functioning of the family unit, and enabling them to be productive members of their local community.

Details

Title: Prioritising Family Needs: A Grounded Theory of Acculturation for Sub-Saharan African Migrant Families in Australia
Authors: Peter Akosah-Twumasi (Author) - James Cook University
Faith Alele (Author) - James Cook University
Amy M. Smith (Author) - James Cook University
Theophilus I Emeto (Author) - James Cook University
Daniel Lindsay (Author) - James Cook University
Komla Tsey (Author) - James Cook University
Bunmi S. Malau-Aduli (Corresponding Author) - James Cook University
Publication details: Social Sciences, Vol.9(2), pp.1-16
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date published: 2020
DOI: 10.3390/socsci9020017
ISSN: 2076-0760
Copyright note: © 2020 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
Organisation Unit: School of Health - Public Health
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99967597102621
Output Type: Journal article

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